Raye at the 2025 Oscars (c) Michael Baker/The Academy

The Dolce Vita Bob Is The Dreamiest Summer Haircut For 2025

2 weeks ago

Italian curls get a glossy makeover with the dolce vita bob

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There’s a new salon favourite this season – and yes, it’s a bob. Reminiscent of Italian summers and glitzy red carpet curls, this bob is the perfect slice of la dolce vita.

More Summer Bob Trends

What Is A Dolce Vita Bob?

The latest retro revival, the dolce vita bob is all about old school glamour with a Mediterranean flair – think a hybrid of the chic Italian bob and the sleekness of the old money bob. ‘The dolce vita bob is a chic, Italian-inspired haircut characterized by its soft layers and gentle movement, offering a timeless yet modern look,’ adds Melissa Timperley, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Melissa Salons. ‘It also features subtle layering and a slightly longer front, providing a more relaxed and voluminous appearance.’

This is a cut with plenty of character and bounce, Melissa tells us. ‘Its resurgence is attributed to the revival of old money aesthetics and vintage glamour, aligning with the current fashion trends that favour elegance and sophistication,’ she says. Inspired by the silhouettes of old Hollywood sweethearts – Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe – the styling cornerstones include ultra-polished curls, bouncy volume and a high shine.

@harbabeauty Who doesn’t love a roller set look 🤩 Admiring @afnandano’s fabulous style! 🔥 She added extra volume to her short bob with rollers, channeling timeless Hollywood glam 🌟 . . #Harba #HarbaHair #foryoupage #hairtutorial #rollerset #rollersettutorial #curlyhairtutorial ♬ original sound – harbabeauty

And with high glam personality, comes plenty of interest from A-listers. Everyone from Zendaya and Raye to Sabrina Carpenter has been seen flying the flag for bouncy, polished curls combined with shorter strands, giving the dolce vita bob a high status appeal to feed into the ‘old money’ vibe.

Who Suits This Cut?

‘The dolce vita bob is versatile and flatters various hair types and face shapes, thanks to its adaptable layers and movement,’ notes Melissa. While best suited to naturally wavy or curvy hair, it can also give straight her a lift – with the curls and layers giving strands a voluminous oomph.

How To Ask For A Dolce Vita Bob In The Salon

‘Request a bob with soft layering, a slightly longer front and volume at the crown,’ recommends Melissa. ‘Bringing reference photos can also help communicate your desired look effectively.’

How To Style It

There’s more than one way to achieve a polished dolce vita bob, depending on your hair type. If your hair needs a little help getting those curls, then you can opt for heated curlers or a curling wand. ‘For an effortless look, use a lightweight volumizing mousse and heat protector,’ advises Melissa. ‘I love using something like a Dyson airwrap or my fav Alfa Italia hairdryer attachment to create soft waves. Finish with a texture spray for a lived-in effect.’